Messages in this thread | | | Date | Thu, 13 Aug 1998 22:12:19 -0400 (EDT) | From | "Mike A. Harris" <> | Subject | Re: [semi-offtopic] Linux 2.2 Changes ('really final' version) |
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On 13 Aug 1998, Chris Adams wrote:
> If there wasn't a parallel port driver in 2.0, what do all of our > printers talk to? My printer hooks up to a parallel port, and I can use > it under Linux at /dev/lp1, so to me, there is a parallel port driver.
From your logic, one could conclude that 2.0.x contains a graphics driver because I can see graphics on my screen when I run X windows or SVGAlib applications. Therefore the kernel MUST have a video driver.
2.0.x has what is called "Parallel Printer Support". It is NOT Parallel port support, it is Parallel Printer Support. For example, a PPA ZIP drive doesn't work with this driver, nor does anything else, but a printer (or devices that behave as though they were a printer). There is no EPP/ECP support in 2.0.x either.
PLIP also uses the parallel port, with it's own driver. It talks direct.
2.1.x on the other hand, has Parallel port support, both PC style, and otherwise. This is a generic low level driver. EPP and ECP support are in there too (at least they were last I checked). The printer driver, talks to the low level parallel port driver I believe (guess).
PLIP as well as any other drivers that use the parallel port have been revamped to talk to the low level parallel port driver instead of touching the bare metal.
So, 2.1.x differs greatly from 2.0.x in terms of how the parallel port is used.
Disclaimer: All of the above is based on my understanding of how the new kernel works, not from some detailed analasys. I could be completely full of shit. I don't think I am though, however if I am, I'm sure someone will inform me of this.
When in doubt, read the source Luke! ;o)
-- Mike A. Harris - Computer Consultant - Linux advocate
Escape from the confines of Microsoft's operating systems and push your PC to it's limits with LINUX - a real OS. http://www.redhat.com
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